Inmate escapes from Brown County jail, police search intensifies

In Ohio, one of two inmates who escaped from the Brown County detention center has been recaptured, while the other remains at large. The escape occurred late on a Monday night, between 10:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Reports indicate the inmates managed to damage a security window to flee the facility through the police impound lot. They then crossed a river using a paddle boat before running into nearby woods. Authorities, including the Mason County Sheriff's Office in Kentucky, have launched an extensive search for the remaining fugitive, Jerry Cooper, who is considered armed and dangerous. Cooper is reported to have fled to an area close to the Mason-Bracken county line, where he may have family and friends. The search operations have been strengthened with the deployment of Kentucky State Police helicopters, drones, and assistance from local residents. As a precaution, parents have been advised to escort their children home from school and to remain vigilant, as Jerry Cooper has a violent criminal history, including charges of attempted murder, felonious assault, and violation of weapons laws. The community has been advised not to approach Cooper if spotted and to contact law enforcement instead. The authorities continue to investigate whether the escape was aided by anyone outside the facility, though they currently believe that the two inmates acted independently. The surge in law enforcement activity has created significant concern for residents, who have continuously received updates regarding the search efforts underway both in Ohio and Kentucky. Meanwhile, law enforcement officials stress the importance of public assistance in locating Cooper, indicating that anyone with information should provide it to the authorities immediately. This situation has shed light on both the vulnerabilities within correctional facilities and the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in ensuring community safety.